About Butadiene
Description
Butadiene is a flammable, colorless gas with a mild aromatic odor and it is highly reactive. Butadiene is soluble in alcohol and ether, insoluble in water and polymerizes readily, particularly if oxygen is present.
Properties
Unit Quantity
Molecular weight g/mol 54.088
Density liquid at 20°C 0.6211
Freezing point °C -108.9
Boiling point °C -4.41
Hazards and safety
Irritant in high concentration. A suspected human carcinogen.
Unit Quantity
Molecular weight g/mol 54.088
Density liquid at 20°C 0.6211
Freezing point °C -108.9
Boiling point °C -4.41
Hazards and safety
Irritant in high concentration. A suspected human carcinogen.
Unit Qunatity
Explosion limits in air 2-11.5%
Ignition point °C 429
Flash point °C -76
Applications
One major use of butadiene has been in the making of synthetic rubber (styrene-butadiene and nitrile butadiene rubbers, to a large extent, CIS-polybutadiene is also an extender and substitute for rubber, and polymerizations transpolybutadiene is a type of rubber with unusual properties). Butadiene is also used extensively for various polymerizations for plastics manufacturing. Copolymers with high proportions of styrene have found applications such as stiffening resins for rubber, in water-base and other paints, and in high impact plastic. Butadiene also serves as a starting material for nylon 66 (adiponitrile) and an ingredient in rocket fuel (butadiene - acrylonitrile polymer).
Storage and handling
Contact with oxidizing agent may cause ignition. Steel is recommended for tanks and piping in butadiene service, and it is usually stored under pressure or in insulated tanks at reduced temperature, preferably below 1.6°C (35°F). Goggles, rubber gloves and protective clothing should be worn, and self-contained breathing apparatus should be used